An astrophysicist presents an in-depth yet accessible tour of the universe for lay readers, while conveying the excitement of astronomy. How is a galaxy billions of lightyears away connected to us? Is our home nothing more than a tiny speck of blue in an ocean of night? In this exciting tour of a universe far larger than we can imagine, cosmologist Paul M. Sutter emphasizes how amazing it is that we are part of such a huge, complex, and mysterious place. Through metaphors and uncomplicated language, Sutter breathes life into the science of astrophysics, unveiling how particles, forces, and fields interplay to create the greatest of cosmic dramas. Touched with the author's characteristic breezy, conversational style--which has made him a breakout hit on venues such as The Weather Channel, the Science Channel, and his own popular Ask a Spaceman podcast--he conveys the fun and wonder of delving deeply into the physical processes of the natural universe. He weaves together the past and future histories of our universe with grounded descriptions of essential modern-day physics as well as speculations based on the latest research in cosmology. Topics include our place in the Milky Way galaxy; the cosmic web--a vast web-like pattern in which galaxies are arranged; the origins of our universe in the big bang; the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy; how science has dramatically changed our relationship to the cosmos; conjectures about the future of reality as we know it; and more. For anyone who has ever stared at the starry night sky and wondered how we humans on Earth fit into the big picture, this book is an essential roadmap.

New: A book in its original condition, as released by the publisher.Near New: A book in almost new condition, but not quite perfect. It may have edgemarks or minor shelf wear.Used - Standard or Better: A book which has been read and shows some use. It could show some marks or shelfware. Jacket could show wear or minor tears. A good reading copy.Used - Less Than Standard: A book which shows more wear than an average used book. May have minor physical damage, underlining, highlighting, or library markings. We only allow this condition in a title that is otherwise difficult to find.Used - Jacket Less Than Standard: A book in good, used condition, however the jacket is well worn or missing.

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Description of Conditions for Collectible Books

Conditions appear in two parts separated by a slash, referring to the condition of the book and the condition of the dust jacket. Condition codes on collectible and rare books are defined broadly. The older a book, the more subjective the condition code. All defects are noted in the description.

AS or As New: A book in original condition, as it was released from the publisher. Text is clean; binding is tight; the book is in unread condition.F or Fine: A book in slightly less crisp condition then As New, but with little to no defects. Text is clean, and the binding is tight, but the book may have some minor shelfwear. Any defects are noted in the description.NF or Near Fine: A book showing some signs of having been read, but which is approaching Fine condition. The book is clean with a solid binding. Any defects are noted in the description.VG or Very Good: A book showing general wear, as expected with its age. It may have shelfwear or minor defects. Any defects are noted in the description.G or Good: A book showing significant wear. It may have water damage, a shaken or cracked binding, or minor defects. Any defects are noted in the description.P or Poor: A very worn copy, with contents possibly loose, but complete unless otherwise noted

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